Assessment of the Effects of Ionising Radiation on the Properties of Vitrified UK High Level Waste

This project offers a unique opportunity to work with the UKs National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), applying fundamental science to address the challenge of nuclear waste management. High Level Waste from nuclear fuel recycling is currently incorporated into a glass matrix. This research will involve the characterisation of radiation effects on the structure of a new glass formulation using a combined approach of laboratory experiment and molecular simulation. Actual glasses from industry, using a non-radioactive waste simulant, will be characterised using techniques such as SEM, XRD, IR-Raman and NMR amongst others. The effect of structural changes on the durability of this glass can also be determined using leaching trials.

Characterisation of radiation damage to already amorphous materials is a challenging task; the success of this project will require a highly motivated and proactive candidate. Data collected from laboratory experiment can be validated using molecular dynamics packages such DL_Poly and LAMPPS. As such, knowledge of a programming language such as FORTAN or C++ as well as Linux would be beneficial.

Throughout the project, comparison will be made to international efforts and so allows the successful candidate an excellent chance to make a name for themselves on an international stage. The project also offers the opportunity to work both in the United States and at NNLs Central Lab on Sellafield Site and as such the successful candidate must be able to apply for an appropriate visa and for a baseline standard of security clearance. In addition, you must meet the funding requirements of this PhD studentship which stipulate UK or EU nationality.

This project is based at the University of Manchesters Dalton Cumbrian Facility and so is NOT based in Manchester. The Supervisory team includes Laura Leay and Simon M. Pimblott of The University of Manchester as well as Mike Harrison of NNL. The Dalton Cumbrian Facility is located on the Westlakes Science & Technology Park, Moor Row near Whitehaven in West Cumbria as part of the research programmes of the Dalton Nuclear Institute (DNI) and the School of Chemistry. The DCF was officially opened in September 2013 and is unique in Europe, providing the experimental equipment and supporting environment for academics to carry out world-leading research in the areas of radiation science, nuclear engineering decommissioning and the management of radioactive waste.